Big ideas, smaller places
Why are more and more creatives moving out of the big cities?
More and more creatives are packing up their London flats and saying goodbye to Manchester’s agency scene, opting instead for slower, smaller cities across the UK. From Margate to Bristol, Edinburgh to Falmouth, the creative migration is real.
Why?
Because big city burnout is no badge of honour. Sky-high rents, long hours, and hustle culture are losing their shine. The pandemic cracked open the door, and flexible work kicked it off the hinges. Now, talented people are realising they don’t need a Shoreditch postcode to make great work.
For smaller towns, this is gold dust.
Creative energy means new studios, local collaborations, fresh culture. It brings economic opportunity and raises the bar. Suddenly, small, doesn’t mean left behind.
For London and Manchester?
It’s a talent drain with consequences. Agencies may need to rethink how they retain and support teams, especially as remote work becomes non-negotiable.
And for those who make the move?
It’s not just cheaper rent and sea air.
It’s space to think.
Time to play.
A shot at designing life on your own terms.
And in the end, isn’t that the most creative move of all?
